Lee Davy sits down with FlowPlay’s CEO, Derrick Morton, to talk about their part in raising over $35,000 for the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Program.
Social casino players over at FlowPlay’s Vegas World have raised more than $35,000 through an innovative fundraiser for the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Close to 10,000 Vegas World players purchased over 270,000 ACS-branded Taxi Charms during their in-game experience between March 1 and March 28. The money will go towards the ACS’s Road to Recovery program, created to provide cancer patients with free transport for potentially life savings hospital appointments.
Lee Davy sat down with Derrick Morton, CEO of FlowPlay to talk about this fantastic initiative and this is what he had to say.
Where did the idea emerge for FlowPlay to team up with the ACS?
This campaign was the third time we’ve partnered with a non-profit to raise money through our Vegas World social casino game – an idea that our team came up with more than a year ago and our players have enthusiastically embraced. We’ve worked with a different charity each time and have considered a wide range of causes to support. When looking at potential non-profits, we consider whether our donation will make an actual difference; if the organization’s values align with ours; and which causes resonate with our players. The American Cancer Society fits all of those criteria.
Why do this?
Giving back is an important part of FlowPlay’s company culture. We feel strongly that businesses and individuals have a social responsibility to support causes that make a difference in people’s lives. By creating in-game fundraising campaigns, we bring awareness to important organizations and give our users an opportunity to contribute to something meaningful while they enjoy Vegas World.
Why the ACS?
Because cancer has touched almost every person in some way, the ACS felt like the perfect fit. Their team brought a lot of enthusiasm when we approached them with the idea, and by allocating this campaign’s funds to the Road To Recovery program, they ensured our donation would have a significant dollar-for-dollar impact.
Describe the in-game fundraising campaign.
We designed a limited edition ACS-branded virtual good – a Taxi Charm inspired by the Road To Recovery program – for purchase within Vegas World. During the campaign, each Taxi Charm purchased by the community provided a donation with 100 percent of the proceeds going to ACS. Players could also host special in-game parties that required the Taxi Charm to participate. We had a total of 1,080 charm parties in support of the ACS – more than we’ve had for any of our previous fundraisers.
How successful has it been?
Raising a total of $35,000 for the Road To Recovery program, this was one of the most successful and engaging campaigns we’ve had to date. Nearly 10,000 Vegas World players participated, buying approximately 270,000 of the ACS Taxi Charms. Including the ACS campaign, FlowPlay and Vegas World players have raised more than $95,000 for non-profits over the last year.
Philanthropic endeavors are huge within the poker industry, what’s the interest like in the online casino/gaming industry?
In terms of industry interest, it’s not something we see a lot of among other companies in our space. However, the enthusiasm from the Vegas World audience has been inspiring, and we’re seeing an increasing number of players getting engaged and reaching out to us with requests for additional campaigns to support a wide range of causes.
Talk about the Road to Recovery program?
The Road To Recovery program helps thousands of cancer patients that need to get to and from treatment appointments but lack access to transportation. The program strives to ensure that people with cancer who do not have a ride have a way to make it to their appointments. Last year, the ACS provided nearly 186,000 free rides through the program, but there is demand for even more support.
I believe people can volunteer their time as well as their money, how can they do this?
The Road To Recovery is seeking further donations and volunteers. Anyone interested in learning more or supporting the program can reach out to the ACS, or visit http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/road-to-recovery.
What other projects are you interested in the future?
We will continue to host in-game fundraising campaigns throughout the year. We’re always looking for potential non-profit partners, and give special consideration to organizations that are suggested to us by our Vegas World community. Given all of the interest and success, we plan on incorporating these campaigns as ongoing and regular events in Vegas World.
ers participated, buying approximately 270,000 of the ACS Taxi Charms. Including the ACS campaign, FlowPlay and Vegas World players have raised more than $95,000 for non-profits over the last year.
Philanthropic endeavors are huge within the poker industry, what’s the interest like in the online casino/gaming industry?
In terms of industry interest, it’s not something we see a lot of among other companies in our space. However, the enthusiasm from the Vegas World audience has been inspiring, and we’re seeing an increasing number of players getting engaged and reaching out to us with requests for additional campaigns to support a wide range of causes.
Talk about the Road to Recovery program?
The Road To Recovery program helps thousands of cancer patients that need to get to and from treatment appointments but lack access to transportation. The program strives to ensure that people with cancer who do not have a ride have a way to make it to their appointments. Last year, the ACS provided nearly 186,000 free rides through the program, but there is demand for even more support.
I believe people can volunteer their time as well as their money, how can they do this?
The Road To Recovery is seeking further donations and volunteers. Anyone interested in learning more or supporting the program can reach out to the ACS, or visit http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/road-to-recovery.
What other projects are you interested in the future?
We will continue to host in-game fundraising campaigns throughout the year. We’re always looking for potential non-profit partners, and give special consideration to organizations that are suggested to us by our Vegas World community. Given all of the interest and success, we plan on incorporating these campaigns as ongoing and regular events in Vegas World.
